19 photos that show how much flight attendant uniforms have changed since the glory days of aviation

Since the 1930s, flight attendant uniforms have varied widely in their style, challenging the designers who create them to stay current with the times, while also developing a distinct look that represents the particular airline.

The SFO Museum at San Francisco International Airport is currently honoring both the designers who have pushed the envelope and the attendants who have worn their looks. The exhibition "Fashion In Flight: A History of Airline Uniform Design" is on display from now until January 2017 and features 70 female airline uniform ensembles from 20 different airline carriers.

Take a look back, from the 1940s onward, at some of the finest stewardess get-ups designed by big names like Valentino and Vivienne Westwood.

Pucci's revolutionary designs were introduced in Braniff's ad campaign, "The End of the Plain Plane." The bold colors and patterns shocked the airline industry.

United Airlines stewardess uniform by Jean Louis, 1968

Louis designed the dress for United Airlines' then-4,500 stewardesses. It was worn between 1968 and 1970.

United Airlines stewardess in uniform by Jean Louis, 1968Image Courtesy of SFO Museum

Air France stewardess uniform by Cristóbal Balenciaga, 1969. Balenciaga created an entire Air France department within his Paris fashion house for the creation of this uniform, which was one of the last designs he created before passing away in 1972.

Image Courtesy of SFO Museum

Pan American World Airways stewardess uniform by Frank Smith for Evan-Picone, 1971. This outfit was available in two different colors — blue or gold — and was known as "The Uniform for the Superjet Era."

Image Courtesy of SFO Museum

Trans World Airlines female flight attendant uniform by Valentino, 1971. This plum-colored knit dress suit was part of a collection that also included a pant-suit option for women.